COLDWATER — Local Midstate Mule and Donkey Show Society members recently put on a show in collaboration with the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Jim Smith, Show Chairman, brought his Donkey, JR to the show for wagon rides. Little Joe, Mule, was also at the show and offered rides to the children.

Walmart and Walmart Distribution Center donated the food and prizes for the event.

Lois and David Vaughn, employees of the WDC and members of the MMDSS, assisted in the coordination of the event which provided carnival, games and cook out for guests. The MMDSS visits nursing homes in the Branch County area, the VA Hospital in Battle Creek, and will be in the circus parade in Peru, Indiana later this year.

According to the Midstate Mule and Donkey Society's Facebook page, "The Midstate Mule & Donkey Show Society, Inc. spreads throughout the United States, while it is prominently know in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan. Our organization strives to promote and preserve the mule and donkey breeds. As a group we are involved in the local Horse Fairs. Competing at local and state wide mule and donkey shows. Midstates sponsors their own mule and donkey shows. Midstates Mule & Donkey Show Society strives to improve the breeding genetics of the mule and donkey by selection. We want to communication with other interested owners. Promoting the animals in any way that enjoy to, such as driving, showing, breeding, or just as a pet. Showing that our club educates the public about mules and donkeys."